Modular Elongated Vibrator with Captive Screw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elongated vibrators used in soil improvement processes face challenges such as mechanical stress, fatigue, loosening of assemblies, and difficulty in disassembly due to high abrasion and stress, leading to reliability issues and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The elongated vibrator is designed with a coaxial end-to-end assembly using fixing screws accessible through a cavity with a removable locking part that engages with screw heads or nuts, providing captiveness and protection, facilitating easy dismantling and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to assemble elements, then assembly strength is improved, but disassembly becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly system is segmented into modular components (elements, locking parts, locking means) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The locking parts are separable from the elements, enabling easy disassembly while maintaining strong connected assembly during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly system transitions from a static welded connection to a dynamic, controllable connection state. The locking means can be engaged to provide strong mechanical connection during operation, and disengaged to enable easy disassembly when maintenance is needed
2Ease of operation
If bolted-type joints are used, then disassembly becomes easier, but reliability decreases due to loosening and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are engaged beforehand to prevent loosening and abrasion issues that plague bolted joints. This pre-securing mechanism ensures reliable connection during operation while maintaining the ability to disassemble when needed, cushioning against the harmful effects of vibration and ground friction
3Ease of manufacture
If assembly screws are exposed, then assembly is simpler, but screws suffer wear from ground abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
Protective covers act as intermediary elements between the ground environment and the assembly screws. These covers shield the screws from direct contact with abrasive ground particles, preventing wear while maintaining assembly simplicity through the modular cover design that can be easily installed and removed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures the assembly remains secure during use, protects fixing screws from wear, and allows for easy dismantling and maintenance without affecting vibration transmission, reducing site downtime and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
The friction of the ground: all surfaces are subject to very high abrasion
Implementation Method 2
The vibration generator comprises one or more eccentric weights rotatably mounted around the central longitudinal axis of the elongated vibrator and driven in rotation by a hydraulic or electric motor, via a coupling, or even a gear train. at a speed of rotation of the order of 1500 to 3500 rpm. The centrifugal force generated by these flyweights is exerted omnidirectionally
Implementation Method 3
all surfaces are subject to very high abrasion
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The elongated vibrator according to the invention comprises a tubular element including one or more sections, the upper end of which is provided with means for suspension to a lifting and/or guiding device, and the lower end of which is connected to a fitting comprising successively a vibration damper-isolator, a vibration generator (4), and a tip (5). This vibrator is made of several detachable elements assembled end to end by means of a plurality of fixing screws (30), the heads or nuts of which are accessible through at least one cavity (27) provided in at least one of said elements, and at least one removable locking piece (C1, C2) which engages in said cavity (27) by bearing against said heads or nuts, so as to ensure the retention of said screws (30) and to prevent the assembly from coming apart during use.